GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019

Page created by Jane Lewis
 
CONTINUE READING
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL
   CONFERENCING –
             inspired by the
COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019

                                             |1
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–   □ This paper presents guidelines to prepare, host and evaluate virtual meetings or
        conferences. It is based on experiences garnered during the COPERNICUS Alliance
        Online Conference 2019: “Reaching out for the Stars: Consolidating the HESD
  WHY   Constellation” and several other meetings that we facilitated online afterwards.

        Online conferencing is getting increasingly popular and there are plenty of

 WHAT   recommendations on how to do it out there. The same goes for software and tools
        that are more powerful and user-friendly than ever before and extremely dynamic
        in their development. Therefore, we don’t want to focus on any software in

 WHO    particular, but rather deliver general guidelines that aim to help organize different
        kinds of virtual events and pursue different purposes.

WHERE   In the following we present five chapters:
        WHY Facts about online conferencing including survey results
        WHAT Type of event and format
        WHO Organizing team & responsibilities
 HOW    WHERE Software and hardware (hosting room)
        HOW Actions before, during and after the conference

    –
                    THE COPERNICUS ALLIANCE ONLINE CONFERENCE
                    2019 IN A NUTSHELL
                    The 3-day-event from 9-11 September 2019 was entirely hosted via Adobe
                    Connect. Around 80 people from 30 countries on five continents
                    participated actively and passively in different online session formats:

                         Pre-recorded videos provided by keynote speakers (“thought
                          provokers”) could be watched before the start of the conference and
                          were accompanied by a forum in which viewers could formulate
                          questions
                         Discussions called “deep spaces” with keynote speakers (addressing
                          the topics raised in the videos and the questions asked in the forum)
                         Presentations of “next practices” followed by moderated discussions
                          (seven presenters were selected after an open call and grouped into
                          two sessions)
                         Interactive workshops in small groups called “co-creation labs” (five
                          parallel rooms; facilitators were selected after an open call)
                         Virtual table called “marketplace” with downloadable material
                          provided by the speakers (available before and after the conference)

                    The flexible design of the program allowed participants to come and go as
                    they liked. Every registered person received a link to Adobe Connect which
                    allowed them to access the virtual conference room(s) and join any session
                    at any time. The conference was hosted and moderated from a room at
                    the Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern,
                    Switzerland. All participants and speakers joined from external locations.

                                                                                          |1
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW    □ Nowadays, virtual conferences are more than an alternative to conventional
        face-to-face events. Especially in academic environments emissions resulting from
        traveling to conferences and meetings are being recognized as a problem in the

    –   light of climate change. Technology is no longer much of an issue and people are
        acquainted with online environments. Saving time, energy and money are other
        benefits that come with online conferencing. In fact, universities could save a lot of
        funds allocated to academic staff for conference trips. In addition, due to their
        inclusive character virtual conferences can attract international participants for
        local events. Universities can increase their outreach and position their research
        on an international stage. This also enhances the potential for new collaborations.

                    ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CONFERENCING
                          Saving travel emissions
                          Saving energy and waste (fuel, electricity, materials, food)
                          Saving individual energy (no booking, no travelling, no changes of
                           time zones)
                          Saving time
                          Reduction of costs for organizers (no rooms, no catering, no travels,
                           less staff required)
                          Reduction of costs for participants (no travelling, no hotel, no fee)
                          Flexibility to attend single sessions or the whole conference
                          Possibility of combining with daily routines of work and social life
                          Inclusive (people from all around the world can participate
                           regardless of their origin, physical condition, family situation,
                           financial and political situation, etc.)
                          Easy recording of sessions
                          Easy to enrich the program with additional tools (pre-recorded
                           videos, surveys, etc.)

                                                                                           |2
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–   When arguing in favor of virtual events one cannot neglect their limitations. They
        require precise program planning and demand a certain level of discipline from the
        participants. This leaves little space for the kind of unplanned spontaneous social
  WHY   interaction that is more likely to happen in face-to-face settings. Networking is
        easier when talking to somebody in flesh and bone. In addition to this restriction
        of social interaction, individual experiences such as getting to know new places and

 WHAT   cultures are something that cannot be delivered online.

        Whether virtual or face-to-face is the better choice depends on the type of event

 WHO    one wants to organize, its purpose and expected outcomes, and the addressed
        target group or expected audience. Based on several independent experiences
        (also outside the COPERNICUS Alliance) it seems reasonable to say that online

WHERE   conferences are an appropriate substitute for face-to-face meetings in many cases.

        A survey carried out among the participants in the COPERNICUS Alliance Online
        Conference 2019 confirmed the above-mentioned arguments (k=27). A vast
 HOW    majority supported the suggestion to alternate annually between a face-to-face
        and a virtual conference. The survey provided additional insights: About two thirds
        of the respondents rated the usability of the software (Adobe Connect) with 4 or 5

    –   points out of 5. Interaction with other conference participants was rated positively
        (4 or 5 out of 5) by half of the respondents. Over 85 per cent indicated a high to
        very high level of satisfaction with the virtual format (4 or 5 out of 5). Overall
        satisfaction with the conference was rated just as high by the same high
        percentage.

        In the following sections, we highlight what we consider keys to success in the
        organization of online events.

                                                                                         |3
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW    □ As for any kind of event, one of the first things to define is the target group. The
        event format and structure need to be designed accordingly. A couple of questions
        can help in the planning process:

    –                     Webinar, 2-hour-workshop, 3-day-conference, etc.?
                          Fully virtual or semi-virtual event?
                          When to start, when to end each day?
                          How many time zones to span?
                          How many breaks?
                          How many participants?
                          Interactive sessions or keynote speeches?
                          Invited speakers only or open call for contributions?
                          Plenary sessions and/or parallel sessions in break-out rooms?
                          Additional services or tools such as pre-recorded videos, forum,
                           website?

        The event format very much affects all steps that follow these first decisions; it is
        therefore worth spending enough time to think through the format and assess
        whether it is feasible in terms of the given budget and manpower.

                                                                                           |4
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW    □ As mentioned before, the organization of a virtual conference may require less
        human resources than a face-to-face conference, especially during the event.
        Nevertheless the workload must not be underestimated and a careful distribution

    –   of tasks and responsibilities between the members of the organizing team is
        essential. Several steps for the preparation of a virtual conference are similar to
        those for a face-to-face meeting.

                   TYPICAL TASKS FOR THE ORGANIZING TEAM
                         Program development (format, schedule etc.)
                         Speaker coordination (invitations, calls for contributions, selection
                          of speakers/contributors/facilitators etc.)
                         Participant management (registrations etc.)
                         Finance management
                         Communication (website, emails, newsletter, social media etc.)
                         Technology (software(s), licenses; hardware/equipment for
                          conference room)

        Obviously, the bigger the team, the less work rests on the shoulders of individual
        persons. On the other hand, a bigger team demands more coordination among its
        members. In any case, there should be a core team that keeps an overview of all
        actions and is included in every communication concerning the organization of the
        event.

        We strongly recommend maintaining the same level of information among all
        members of the core team throughout the whole organization period. Otherwise a
        permanent or temporary drop-out of one key person before or during the
        conference (illness etc.) can jeopardize the whole event! This especially concerns

                                                                                        |5
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–   the technical part, which should not be the task of one person only: try to foresee
        at least two persons with the same level of expertise and understanding.

  WHY   What comes as an additional challenge in virtual conferences compared to face-to-
        face events are technological issues (related to software and hardware). Especially
        the activities during the event must be planned in great detail, e.g. by writing a

 WHAT   script. In particular, the roles of moderators and hosts during the event deserve
        special attention; these will be dealt with in the chapter HOW.

 WHO
WHERE
 HOW
    –

                                                                                        |6
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW    SOFTWARE
        Various online conferencing tools are on the market, both for free and as

    –   paid/licensed services. They offer a lot of technical possibilities that serve most
        purposes well. Basic functions such as control of microphone and camera are quite
        similar and can be used intuitively. Choosing a software is therefore rather a
        question of personal taste and availability in the case of licensed services.
        Differences might be noticed in connection stability, video/sound quality and
        maximum number of participants who can be online at the same time.

                   TYPICAL FUNCTIONS IN ONLINE CONFERENCING
                   TOOLS
                         Microphone and camera control
                         Activity buttons (raising hand, applause etc.)
                         Attendee list
                         File and screen sharing
                         Chat
                         Notes boxes
                         Quizzes
                         Polls
                         Whiteboards

                      Enhanced options for hosts/administrators:
                       Flexible screen layouts incl. templates
                       Individual rights/roles for participants
                       Opening and closing of rooms and break-out rooms
                       Recording

                                                                                        |7
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–   What is more important than the choice of a specific software is the appropriate
        use of different functionalities and if necessary the combination of different
        applications in a clever and user-friendly way. In all cases, user-friendliness should
  WHY   be the most important criterion for choosing a solution and then shaping use of it
        during the conference or meeting. Remember that your audience is unlikely to be
        as technically savvy as you are and will require help with all steps that aren’t

 WHAT   completely intuitive or self-explanatory.

 WHO    HARDWARE

WHERE   Hardware requirements differ between hosts and regular participants. For the
        latter a few pieces of equipment are enough: A computer (desktop or laptop) with
        a stable internet connection (WIFI or cable), a microphone (built-in or external),

 HOW    loud speakers (or preferably a headset) and optionally a camera for video
        transmission (built-in or external). Although we don’t recommend it, most
        applications can also be accessed via smartphone. In general, one can state that

    –   the better the equipment is, the better the online experience will be.

        For the host, professional equipment is essential. Depending on the format and size
        of the event the quantity and arrangement of devices may vary. The hosting team
        needs to keep in mind hardware and software options and test what equipment is
        necessary and how to physically distribute it in the hosting room. Many institutions
        already offer fully equipped rooms for virtual conferencing, but if you do not have
        this option, it is worth spending enough time at an early stage to try out the set-up
        in detail.

                    EQUIPMENT FOR HOSTING AN ONLINE CONFERENCE
                    (HOSTING ROOM)
                          Computers/Laptops (e.g. main host, second host, beamer,
                           presenter/moderator, backup)
                          Microphone(s)*
                          Loud speaker(s)*
                          Headset(s)*
                          Camera(s)*
                          Tripod
                          Big screen/TV-set or beamer
                          Cables (internet, network etc.)
                          Extension cords
                          Spotlights
                           *or all-in-one device

                                                                                           |8
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING-inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019
–                 Additional material:
                       Tape (to make sure cables etc. aren’t loose and can’t be tripped over)

  WHY                  Decoration for background (plants, posters etc.)
                       Writing material
                       Drinks and nibbles

 WHAT
        A possible setting that could be replicated in any room is presented on the next

 WHO    page. The two photos give an overview of the hosting room as used for the CA
        Online Conference 2019. Important: The setup may be arranged in any form that
        allows the hosting team (incl. the moderator) to work comfortably. The position of

WHERE   the moderator should be defined first, depending on light conditions, background
        etc. What counts in the end is the image that goes out to online participants!

 HOW    We recommend broadcasting the outgoing image (i.e. what conference
        participants see) on one screen (or wall if projected with a beamer) in the hosting
        room that is visible to all team members. In our case, we created a triangular setting
        of host computers, moderator’s desk, camera and screen (blue triangle in photos)
    –   to enable discreet communication between moderator and technical team if
        needed.

        The microphone(s) for the moderator should be as distant as possible from the host
        computers to avoid undesired background noise. Any microphone other than the
        moderator’s should be muted.

        The camera should be in a position and height that allows the moderator to look at
        the screen and into the camera at the same time (orange line in photo).

        All devices should be connected to electricity rather than run on battery. Cables on
        the floor should be taped to avoid confusion and dangerous traps.

        The windows should be closed to avoid noise from outside. Sunshades should be
        in place to maintain constant light conditions.

        The door to the hosting room should either be locked or have a “Do not disturb”
        sign on the outside to avoid interruptions.

                                                                                           |9
–                                       Light for
                                         moderator’s desk            Camera
                                                                     on tripod
  WHY
 WHAT    Host laptop 2
        (Administrator)
                                                                                       Screen with participant
                                                                                     view = broadcasted image

 WHO
              Host laptop 1
WHERE        (Administrator)         Headset                                 Backup
                                                                            equipment

 HOW
    –                     Hosting room during the CA Online Conference 2019:
                          ↑ Host perspective
                          ↓ Moderator’s perspective

                                      Screen with participant view
                                        = broadcasted image 

           Laptop 3
          for screen

                                                    Camera                        Host laptop 1
                                                    on tripod                    (Administrator)

          Microphone &
          loud speaker
                                                                                     Host laptop 2
                                                                                    (Administrator)

                                                                                                   Backup laptop
                                           Moderator’s desk
                                            with decoration

                                                                                            | 10
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW    □ A lot of details need to be considered to make a virtual conference successful. So
        how can it be done? Based on our experiences – mostly related to academic
        environments – in the following we provide recommendations (Dos & Don’ts) on

    –   actions to perform before, during and after an online conference.

        BEFORE THE EVENT
        Depending on the event’s format and its requirements the organizers may need to
        prepare or purchase software and hardware. Some software products require
        different licenses depending on the number of participants.

        What is just as important as the set-up of the physical room where the event is
        hosted is the configuration of the virtual conference room(s). As a general rule we
        recommend preparing as many of these configurations as possible in advance –
        everything that saves time during the conference makes the life of the hosts easier.
        What needs to be planned carefully is: how many virtual rooms are needed,
        whether there should be parallel rooms, when they open and close, whether they
        are open or password-protected etc.
        The layout of each room can be specified according to the scheduled program. A
        change of layout is usually also easily possible during a session. It is useful to pre-
        define various layouts (e.g. lobby, presentation, discussion – see images).

                                                                                          | 11
–   Throughout the whole event we recommend including a chatbox so that people
        can communicate if there are any technical issues. Some software packages offer
        both a public and a private chatbox.
  WHY   Any files that ought to be shared during the conference should be uploaded in
        advance in order to save time. Sharing uploaded files is preferable to screen sharing

 WHAT   in terms of bandwidth. Uploaded files should be tested to check whether they work
        in the chosen software: not all data formats are supported, and some are
        automatically converted (e.g. animated slides or sound in presentations might not

 WHO    work).

        To guarantee a good online experience hosts and participants need to be well

WHERE   prepared. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the organizers to instruct users
        properly prior to the conference. Therefore, a detailed communication strategy
        should be developed that defines when, how and what information is provided to
        whom. Important: If the event aims for an international audience, all times of
 HOW    sessions and meetings must be communicated with indication of unmistakable
        time zones (e.g. GMT, CET etc.). The table below shows selected items from the
        communication strategy for the CA Online Conference 2019:

    –
                  When           What                                            Channel
                  30/04/2019     Save the dates                                  CA website
                                                                                 CA newsletter
                  11/06/2019     Calls and registration open                     CA website
                                                                                 CA email list
                  26/07/2019     Update on speakers                              CA website
                                                                                 Conference website
                                                                                 CA email list
                                                                                 Registered participants
                  26/07/2019     Updated program based on accepted               Conference website
                                 contributions
                  10/08/2019     30 days to go                                   CA email list
                                                                                 Registered participants
                  28/08/2019     Registration deadline reminder &                Conference website
                                 final program published                         CA website
                                                                                 CA email list
                  30/08/2019     Take registration offline                       Conference website
                                 Adapt texts on websites                         CA website
                  02/09/2019     Publish videos published and open forum         Conference website
                                 + Marketplace launch                            Registered participants
                  06/09/2019     3 days to go: Conference opening,               Registered participants
                                 encouragement to post in forum
                                 Provide Adobe Connect links and short guide
                  12/09/2019     Thanks for participating, link to survey        Registered participants

        Depending on the planned level of interaction participants need to know how to
        use certain functions of the software. I.e. if there are only presentations (one-way
        communication) it is enough to listen and instructions can be limited; if participants
        are expected to collaborate with each other they may need to use their
        microphones, camera and perhaps tools such as screen sharing or whiteboards.
        We recommend providing a short guide or manual for the specific chosen software

                                                                                         | 12
–   early enough ahead of the conference. In addition, it can be useful to offer a
        (voluntary) test session so that everybody can get acquainted with the software
        and check whether their computer system is configured correctly (software
  WHY   updates, plug-ins, add-ons, drivers etc.). For all speakers and facilitators such a test
        session is obligatory!

 WHAT
        JUST BEFORE THE EVENT
 WHO    On the day of the event the physical hosting room needs to be prepared as planned.
        To avoid unexpected problems during the event we recommend:

WHERE       - locking the door to the room or putting a “Do not disturb” sign outside,
            - connecting all devices to electricity rather than running on battery,
            - logging in at all computers with administrator accounts, and

 HOW        - de-activating automatic switch-offs or screensavers on computers.

        Once the technical equipment is in place all devices need to be connected and

    –   switched on. Referring to the setup as described above, this includes:

            -    Host laptop/PC 1
                 Hardware: headset, network cable
                 Role: logged in in virtual conference room as administrator with all rights
                 Tasks: main tasks such as file sharing, changing layouts, recording,
                 monitoring participants’ activities, responding to chat etc.
            -    Host laptop/PC 2
                 Hardware: headset, network cable; connected to (central) microphone,
                 loudspeakers and camera (for moderator’s desk)
                 Role: logged in in virtual conference room as administrator with all rights
                 Tasks: sharing video of moderator’s desk, responding to chat, supporting
                 host 1 if needed
            -    Laptop/PC 3
                 Hardware: network cable; connected to TV-set/screen
                 Role: logged in in virtual conference room as regular participant so that
                 participant’s view appears on screen
                 Tasks: none, can be unattended
            -    Backup laptop/PC
                 Substitution for host computers if there are problems

        As next step the hosts can enter the virtual meeting room and prepare it. Important:
        All devices (headset, camera etc.) should have been connected to the computers
        before and must not be removed anymore. All un-used applications (email client,
        browser etc.) should be closed to maintain a stable internet connection and avoid
        interferences.

                                                                                           | 13
–   DURING THE EVENT

  WHY   After finishing all preparatory tasks, the actual hosting starts. Hosting an online
        event is a demanding task. Therefore, the moderator should concentrate solely on
        his/her role while the hosts deal with the technical part. Wherever technology is

 WHAT   involved things can go wrong; the hosts must therefore anticipate potential
        situations in advance. We recommend writing a script that lists all actions minute
        by minute. This is an example from the first day of the CA Online Conference 2019:

 WHO             When            What                                                                   Who
                 08.40           Open virtual conference room                                           Host 1
WHERE            08.41
                 08.43
                                 Run Audio Setup Wizard in Adobe Connect
                                 Test camera position for moderation
                                                                                                        Host 1 & 2
                                                                                                        Host 2
                 08.59           Select layout “Lobby” and turn on music in conference room             Host 1

 HOW             09.00           Unlock virtual conference room (let participants enter)
                                 Watch and answer chat
                                                                                                        Host 1
                                                                                                        Host 1 & 2
                                 Watch out for speakers in attendee list; welcome them in               Host 1 & 2

    –            09.10
                 09.15
                                 private chat
                                 Record meeting
                                 “OPENING”: change layout, start ppt
                                                                                                        Host 1
                                                                                                        Host 1
                                 Switch on microphone and camera for moderator                          Host 1
                 09.30/after     “DEEP SPACE”: Change layout, forward ppt and move on to                Host 1
                 OPENING         next slides when needed
                                 Moderator position change to table + camera position change            Host 2
                                 Permit presenter rights to speakers, turn on their                     Host 1
                                 microphones and cameras
                 after closing   Switch off speakers’ microphones and cameras                           Host 1
                 DEEP SPACE
                 Moderator       Forward ppt                                                            Host 1
                 introduces
                 next session
                 After           Mute microphone; forward ppt and move on to next slides                Host 1
                 introduction    when needed; change layout to “Lobby”
                 10.30           “BREAK”: Stop recording                                                Host 1
                 10.35           Open break-out ROOM 2                                                  Host 1
                                 Watch out for facilitators in attendee lists in both parallel          Host 1 & 2
                                 rooms; welcome them in private chat
                 10.54           Record meeting in both rooms                                           Host 1 & 2
                 10.55           Unlock ROOM 2 for participants                                         Host 2
                 11.00           Change layout in both rooms to start screen (video only)               Host 1 & 2
                 After           Change layout; Turn on video for presenters                            Host 1 & 2
                 introductions   ROOM 1: Change layout to pdf by presenter 1
                                 ROOM 2: Change layout to pdf by presenter 2
                 …               …                                                                      …

        Online events should start and end according to the planned time schedule. Delays
        can be even more annoying online than in face-to-face meetings. Therefore, the
        hosts should support the moderator in striving to stick to the schedule and if
        necessary gently but firmly interrupt speakers when they exceed their time limit.

                                                                                                 | 14
_
    –   To maintain a high level of attention among participants and give them the

  WHY   opportunity to get a cup of coffee there should be breaks every 45 to 60 minutes.

  WHY   Some situations during an online event deserve special attention and are described
        in more detail below:
 WHAT
 WHAT   OPENING

 WHO    To start on schedule, the virtual conference room should open some minutes

 WHO    before the official start with a lobby layout: an image with the program to come,
        background music and a chatbox, for example. Whether the attendee list is visible

WHERE   to all participants is up to the hosts to decide: making it visible is likely to help

WHERE   attendees feel part of a group, but if the number of participants is very large, this
        will not be helpful at all.

 HOW    Participants should be instructed in advance how to enter the virtual room (e.g.
        “first name, last name, institution”). Leaving academic titles out can contribute to
 HOW    a more inclusive atmosphere.
        We recommend disabling microphones and cameras for all users at the beginning.
        Depending on the number of participants they can be welcomed in the chat when
    –   they enter the room. Also, a little small talk before the session starts can help create
        a friendly atmosphere. If there are technical questions in the chat the hosts should
        react quickly to solve them. If the number of participants allows it and they are
        experienced users and perhaps know each other, microphones can be opened for
        everybody right away.
        At the beginning of the conference the moderator may explain some basic
        functions of the software, above all how to raise a hand (=indicate will to speak)
        with the corresponding symbol and how to use one’s microphone and camera once
        permission has been provided.
        If you want to record the event, participants should be asked for their agreement
        or at least be informed, if not done already before the event.

        DISCUSSIONS & INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
        To avoid background noise and echoes, for any online meeting we recommend
        allowing only one person to speak at a time and muting all others in the meantime.
        To keep discussions organized, participants ought to use the tool to raise their hand
        if they want to speak. The moderator can then announce who is next to speak and
        the hosts can switch on the microphone and optionally the camera for this person.
        The chat can also be used to keep a discussion organized e.g. by posting the order
        of upcoming speakers. If the group is not too big and participants are disciplined
        the hosts can assign microphone rights to all participants and they can mute and
        unmute them on their own.
        It is important that the moderator is always visible on video when he/she assumes
        an active role. In general, whenever there is something going on, i.e. somebody is
        speaking, at least one camera should be active. If a participant speaks and has no
        camera available the moderator should still be on video. Any static situation should
        be avoided except from the lobby at the beginning or end of a session.

                                                                                           | 15
–   Speakers should always look into the camera lens rather than at the screen. In this
        way they keep “eye contact” with the listeners and the online experience feels
        more natural. Consequently, listeners should do the same if their video is shared
  WHY   as well. Looking into the camera requires practice, so it is worth trying this out
        before the event starts.
        All speakers should take care of the background in their image and ensure good

 WHAT   light conditions when the video is active. Also clothes should be chosen carefully
        (no patterns, no distracting logos, appropriate colors etc.).
        The quality of sound and video might not always be perfect during an online

 WHO    session. Any person who speaks should pay extra attention to talking slowly and
        clearly. If necessary the moderator might repeat or summarize single contributions
        by participants to assure that everybody has understood them; however, avoid

WHERE   being too obtrusive as a moderator, as this will give attendees the impression that
        what they say is not taken seriously.
        Depending on the stability of the internet connection it may be necessary to limit
        the number of cameras active at the same time or to reduce their image quality in
 HOW    the settings.
        Whenever somebody shares their screen, they should be prepared for this and not
        show any personal details on their computer desktops to other participants

    –   (passwords, private background image etc.).

        BREAK-OUT ROOMS
        If several sessions are running in separate rooms in parallel we highly recommend
        that every room has one host. Consequently, this implies that there should not be
        more break-out rooms than hosts available. It should also be clear whether the
        sessions are self-organized by the groups attending them or require a separate
        moderator or facilitator. Important: If a session is facilitated by somebody who is
        not present in the hosting room, the hosts must always be prepared to jump in and
        take over if the facilitator experiences technical problems.

        AFTER THE EVENT
        When the event has ended, the hosts can either leave the virtual room open for
        future uses or close it so that participants cannot enter anymore.
        To save the results of a session the hosts should consider using appropriate tools
        or foresee one person who takes minutes. Screenshots or text from note boxes and
        chats can easily be saved to an external file. If participants are to be involved more
        actively, they can be asked to leave their notes in an open shared file during or after
        the session. If the event has been recorded the file(s) can be edited (cutting,
        anonymizing participants etc.) and made available to participants.
        If the organizers want to analyze the event and obtain feedback, participants can
        be invited to take a survey. The link can be provided directly after the event or later
        by email.

                                                                                          | 16
–
  WHY
 WHAT
 WHO
WHERE
 HOW
        USEFUL LINKS
    –       COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019 Website
              LINK

            Grappling with flying as a driver to climate change: Strategies for critical
             scholars seeking to contribute to a socio-ecological revolution
             Bear, H.A. (2018)
              LINK

            Lessons learned from hosting a virtual conference
             Burgess, M., Raley, E., Read, R.L. (2017)
              LINK

            Towards Low-Carbon Conferencing: Acceptance of Virtual Conferencing
             Solutions and Other Sustainability Measures in the ALIFE Community
             Fellermann, H. et al. (2019)
              LINK

            Ten Simple Rules for Organizing a Virtual Conference – Anywhere
             Gichora, N.N. et al. (2010)
              LINK

            Scientific E-conference as a Tool of Development Students Research
             Competence: Local Study
             Glazunova, O. et al. (2018)
              LINK

            The unsustainability of academic aeromobility in Australian universities
             Glover, A. et al. (2017)
              LINK

                                                                             | 17
–      Changing university culture towards reduced air travel – Background
            Report for the 2017 Virtual Conference on University Air Miles Reduction

  WHY       Janisch, T., Hilty, L. (2017). Zurich, Switzerland: ETH Sustainability.
             LINK

           Signs of Change National Networked e-Conference: Highlighting emerging
 WHAT       sustainability and social business
            Krumdieck, S., Orchard S. (2011)
             LINK

 WHO       Academic jet-setting in a time of climate destabilization: Ecological
            privilege and professional geographic travel
            Nevins, J. (2014)

WHERE   
             LINK

            Semi-Virtual Conference Guidelines
            Parncutt, R., Meyer-Kahlen, N. (2018)
 HOW         LINK

           Meeting in the Global Workplace: Air Travel, Telepresence and the Body

    –       Strengers, Y. (2015)
             LINK

           Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Business-Related Air Travel
            at Public Institutions: A Case Study of the University of British Columbia
            Wynes, S., Donner S.D. (2018)
             LINK

           Virtual Conference
            ID-Blog, ETH Zurich (2017)
             LINK

           A nearly carbon-neutral conference model. White paper/practical guide
             LINK

           A clean, green science machine
            Nature editorial (2015)
             LINK

                                                                           | 18
GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCING –
               inspired by the COPERNICUS Alliance Online Conference 2019

                                            The present document was prepared by:
                                Mario Diethart (CA Network Manager, University of Graz, Austria)
                               Anne B. Zimmermann (CA President, University of Bern, Switzerland)
                                 Ingrid Mulà (CA Executive Director, University of Girona, Spain)

                                                          Acknowledgements:
           Stefan Häderli, Lilian Trechsel; Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Switzerland

                                                          Photo credits:
“Desk”, “Planning”, “Hands”, “Camera”, “Tools”, “Blackboard”: Public Domain License/Pixabay; All other photos: COPERNICUS Alliance

                                                         Published by:
          COPERNICUS Alliance – European Network on Higher Education for Sustainable Development
                E-mail: office@copernicus-alliance.org | Web: www.copernicus-alliance.org

                         Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Unive rsity of Bern

                                                © COPERNICUS Alliance 2020

 Citation: Diethart, M., Zimmermann, A.B. & Mulà, I. 2020. Guidelines for Virtual Conferencing – inspired by the COPERNICUS
                      Alliance Online Conference 2019. Bern, Switzerland: CDE and COPERNICUS Alliance.
                                                 DOI: 10.7892/boris.139254

                                                                                                                              |1
You can also read